The following awards were presented by Mr. Vaadi at the May 2018 Band Banquet.

National School Marching Band Award: Clara Machado

Director’s Award for Band: Vincent Onessimo

John Philip Sousa Award: Meara O’Connor

Leonard Bernstein Musicianship Award: Seth Yeager

Mr. Vaadi made these comments upon presenting the awards.

Choosing awards is never an easy task for any director. There are so many admirable qualities that each member of an ensemble have. Qualities such as drive, dedication, passion, leadership, musical excellence, and responsibility are things that I see in each and every one of you. So when I sat down to start making my lists of who would receive my awards, my mind started to go blank. I started to think back on this year but also the years that came before. Who stood out? Who went above and beyond? Who was always doing the right thing, even when no one was watching?

The first award tonight is the National School Marching Band award, sponsored by the Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps and Youth Education in the Arts. This award recognizes outstanding contributions to the marching band program and its members. This year's winner has been someone who I can always depend on no matter the situation. They have been resolute in times of struggle and frustration. Our band family wouldn't be what it is without this outstanding young lady at the helm — always someone to lend a hand and share a laugh with. She has made me so proud over these last 3 years and I know her presence in the band room and her animated way of talking with her hands will be greatly missed next year. It is my pleasure to present the National School Marching Band award to Clara Machado.

Next is the Director's Award. This award is presented to a member of either the concert or marching band program to someone who has demonstrated an outstanding level of dedication, musical ability, and leadership. The winner of this award is someone who can always be seen doing the right thing, always to the best of their ability. They lead by example. I don't recall a time where this person wasn't at a band function, rehearsal, sectional, fundraiser, pep band performance, or the like. I'm so proud to present the Director's Award for Band to Vincent Onessimo.

My next award is the John Philip Sousa Award. The John Philip Sousa Band Award is the pinnacle of achievement for high school band students. Created in 1955, the award honors the top student in a high-school band and recognizes superior musicianship and outstanding dedication. It was developed with the cooperation of Helen Sousa Albert and Priscilla Sousa, daughters of the famous composer and bandmaster. Each winner is included in a database that dates back to 1955 and they are etched into that legacy forever. When choosing this year's recipient, I had to pick someone whose musical talent was far and above that of their peers. As anyone who's had the pleasure of being in a wind symphony rehearsal with me over these last 4 and half years knows that I can be a real stickler when it comes to the sounds I will accept. But of all the times I had to stop and make corrections or go back and work out a transition that didn't quite make the cut, I couldn't remember a time when it was because of this section — or this particular musician. And honestly that says a lot. As a fellow horn player, I have insanely high expectations for this person. But I can honestly say she is a much better horn player than I was when I was her age. It should come as no surprise that this year's recipient of the John Philip Sousa Award is Meara O'Connor.

My final award is something that hasn't ever been presented before at St. Pete High. It's a completely new award - the Leonard Bernstein Musicianship Award. In his long career Bernstein made a permanent mark on the musical world as a conductor, composer, and teacher. This award will honor students whose musical contributions, dedication, and creativity set them apart as deserving of the highest recognition for their achievements. One of the things that makes St. Pete High Band students so special is the fact that they're involved in so many activities at school. Our students' interests are very diverse and with that diversity of talent, they bring many positive qualities to our program. This young man has shown throughout his time here at St. Pete High just how much of an impact he can have on not only the band program, but the choir and theater programs as well. I know he will go on to do great things as a senior. This year's winner of the Leonard Bernstein Musicianship Award goes to Seth Yeager.